The Dog Inn

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Published June 26th 2018

Historic village pub knows how to please its customers

A traditional pub in the heart of Staffordshire is embarking on a new chapter in its long history after having recently been taken over. The Dog Inn, which sits on a prominent corner position in the village of Whittington, near Lichfield, is thought to date back to at least the early 19th century as a traditional coaching inn but has now been given a new lease of life. One of only two remaining pubs in Whittington, The Dog Inn has a tantalising new menu with which to lure hungry customers and has also given the interior of the pub a charming and welcoming make-over.

My wife and I paid a visit to The Dog Inn one weekday lunchtime with a couple of friends. On entrance to the pub, which was via the sizeable car park off Main Street, the bar area lies off to the right, with a seemingly extended dining area on the left. The inside clearly testifies to the history and character of the original premises but has been tastefully decorated to reflect its name. The Dog Inn describes its food menus as 'classic' but with a few twists in the desire to offer something for just about everyone. Occasionally, the choices on offer are enhanced by Chef's specials on a separate board. Food is generally served between 12 noon and 8pm on Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday.

Part of the dining area with a nod to the pub's name in the pictures on the wall

We obviously chose from the Lunchtime menu which has a range of sandwiches and ciabattas on offer, including Battered Cod Goujons with homemade tartare sauce, Rump Steak with red onions and peppers with applewood smoked cheese sauce, and a Classic BLT - bacon, lettuce and tomato. However, we all took a fancy to the Lunchtime Lightbites at just £6.95 each, which were described on the menu as smaller portions of the dinner favourites n the main menu. I opted for the Duo of Sausages and Creamy Mash with rich onion gravy, while my wife chose the Beer Battered Cod Goujons with hand cut chips, a choice of crushed minted peas or mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce. Our friends also went for the so-called Lightbites opting respectively for the Cod Goujons and a 4oz Rump Steak with grilled tomato, mushrooms, chips and peas. Other tempting dishes ranged from a 5oz Gammon Steak with hand cut chips, poached egg/pineapple and peas, to a Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff with steamed rice as a vegetarian option.

Speaking for all our party, but specifically for myself, the food was freshly cooked and extremely tasty, and exceptionally good value considering the ample quantity we received, despite our meals coming off the Lightbite menu. An extensive range of drinks is available to either consume in the bar or accompany a meal. The ever-changing real ales available on the day we visited included Sharps Doom Bar and Greene King Abbot Ale. My friend and I both chose a delicious pint of Abbot Ale at £3.30 a pint, while my wife enjoyed a glass of red wine at £4.25 and my friend's wife a sparkling water.